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Final Look

The 2014 election cycle is the first in which I have not been actively involved at some level in years. What a mess it has been to observe and I am certain readers have seen the same.

There has been so much money with some of it questionable, too many untruthful ads and organizations formed to destroy candidates. Loyalty was out the window and candidates recruited with the hope of increasing the governing numbers with little understanding of what it means to serve.

My fear is this election will end up discouraging not only voters but anyone just getting interested in government (politics) from even thinking about volunteering – let alone running for office in the future.

Another concern is the increase cost to run for office. The observations above are driving the huge costs. Previously the cost of running for the legislature or local office was minimal. Now it’s not only costly, but mean.

Where did all this meanness come from? Who started it and why?

I feel it is driven by a new culture of those leading political parties, campaign consultants and outside groups. Tomorrow we will learn if money and meanness worked.

My final look did not see a campaign that revealed a new course for West Virginia. It was all about power, control and coal.

After this election I would encourage my Republican and Democrat friends to work for a new culture in their party and join together to chart a new path for West Virginia’s future.